篇一：中国传统文化英文
ion of the People’s Republic of China, what are the administrativedivisions of China? 根据中华人民共和国宪法，我国的行政划分是什么？
The country is divided into provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the central government. 我国的行政划分是省，自治区和直辖市。
2. What climatic zone does China lies in?
China’s climate conditions vary greatly. It includes tropical, subtropical, the temperate and cool-temperate conditions. But the country for the most part lies in temperate zone. 中国的气候条件差异很大，包括热带，亚热带，温带和中温带。但是大多数区域处于温带。
3. In what area does China still fall behind its neighbors? 中国在什么领域落后于邻国？
China still falls behind its neighbors in the area of design. 中国在设计领域落后于邻国。
4. How many schools is cooking in China divided into? 中式烹饪有那几派？
Cooking in China is divided into four schools: the Cantonese, Sichuan, Shandong, and Huaiyang Dishes. 中式烹饪分为粤菜，川菜，鲁菜和淮阳菜。
5. What are the main condiments of Cantonese dishes? 粤菜的主要佐料是什么？
The main condiments of the dishes are characteristically oyster sauce, fermented soy bean sauce, fish sauce, lard, sugar and vinegar. 粤菜主要佐料是具有鲜明特色的蚝油，酱油，鱼酱，猪油，糖和醋。
6. What are the characteristics of Cantonese dishes? 粤菜的特色是什么？
Cantonese dishes are famous for their fresh materials and great tenderness. 粤菜以鲜嫩闻名。
7. Why do Sichuan dishes enjoy great popularity all over the country? 为什么川菜享誉全国？
They enjoy the popularity because of their distinct and various flavors. Some of the most famous flavors are derived from fish flavors, pepper powder boiled in oil, strange flavor and sticky-hot. 川菜享誉全国是由于其独特而又多样的口味，包括鱼香味，辣椒油，怪味和麻辣。
8. What are the characteristics of Shandong dishes? 鲁菜的特色是什么？
The Shandong cuisine is famous for its wide selection of materials, cooking methods, and seafood. 鲁菜以选料广泛，烹饪技法和海鲜闻名。
9. What are the cooking methods of Shandong dishes? 鲁菜的烹饪方法有哪些？
The cooking techniques include BAO (quick frying), LIU (quick frying with corn flour), PA (stew braising) roasting and boiling, using sugar to make / clothe fruit, and crystallizing with honey. 烹饪方法包括爆，熘，扒，烤和水煮，用糖做水果的糖衣，用蜂蜜结晶。
10. What are the major categories of Chinese tea? 中国茶主要有哪几种？
Tea from China includes black tea, jasmine tea, Wulong tea, green tea, and brick tea. 中国茶包括红茶，茉莉花茶，乌龙茶，绿茶和砖茶。
11. What is the benefit of drinking tea? 喝茶的好处
Drinking tea could quench thirst, overcome fatigue, help digestion and dilute fat. Tea is also rich in various vitamins. It could protect us from radiation and be used as an antiseptic. 喝茶可以止渴，消除疲劳，助消化，溶解脂肪。茶叶富含多种维生素，防辐射，也可以用来解毒。
12. What are the types of classical Chinese gardens? 中国古典园林有哪些类型？
Classical Chinese gardens comprise imperial garden, private garden and temple garden. 中国古典园林包括皇家园林，私家园林和寺庙园林。
13. What are the elements in/inside Chinese gardens? 中国园林内部有哪些元素？
In classical Chinese gardens, natural elements include flowers, grass, trees, rocks and ponds, while man-made or artificial elements comprise halls, verandas, waterside kiosks, pavilions and bridges. 古典中国园林中，自然元素包括花草树木，小山和池塘，人造元素包括亭台楼阁和小桥。
14. What is ancient Chinese architecture renowned for? 古代中国建筑因什么而著名？
Ancient Chinese architecture is renowned for its unique structural system, graceful forms and rich artistic decorations. 古代中国建筑以独特的结构，优雅的造型和丰富的艺术装饰而闻名
15. What are the long-standing architectural ideas still practiced today? 至今任被沿用的建筑
理念是什么？
The use of symmetry and axes, and the orientation of buildings and structures towards the south are the long-standing architectural ideas still practiced today. 对称，中轴线，建筑物坐北朝南，这些建筑观点至今仍被沿用。
16. What is the post and lintel frame in ancient Chinese architecture? 中国古代建筑的柱檩结
构是什么？
The post and lintel frame is a structural system in which beams and columns, instead of walls, support the load. 柱檩结构是指用柱梁而非墙体承受重力的建筑结构。
17. What are the advantages of the post and lintel frame in ancient Chinese architecture? 柱檩
结构的优点是什么？
With the frame, the walls are not weight bearing, thus they can be set up according to space requirements，dividing the building，as desired. 有了这种结构，墙体不需要承重，因此，墙体可以根据空间要求而布局，随意分割建筑物。
Another advantage of the frame is its resistance to earthquake. 该结构的另一个优点是防震。
18. What does “the house will not collapse even if the walls give in” mean? “房屋不怕墙倒塌”
是什么意思？
With the post and lintel frame, the walls are not weight bearing, thus they can be set up according to space requirements，dividing the building，as desired. 有了这种结构，墙体不需要承重，因此，墙体可以根据空间要求而布局，随意分割建筑物。
Even if the walls fall, the house itself will not fall because it is the post and lintel that bear the weight. 即使墙体倒塌，房屋本身也不会倒塌，因为承重是柱檩，而不是墙体。
19. Please give an example to show the unity of utility and beauty in ancient Chinese architecture? 请举例说明中国古代建筑实用与美化的统一。
The coat of colored oil paint in the ancient Chinese architecture is a good example of the unity of utility and beauty. It is developed out of a need to protect the wood of the ancient Chinese architecture, but it is also very beautiful. 油彩画很好地说明了中国建筑实用与美化的统一。它是因为要保护建筑的木材而发展起来的，但它也非常美观。
20. What is Sushi’s philosophy represented in his lyrics? 反应在苏轼词里的哲学思想是什么？
His philosophy is a combination of Confucianism and Taoism. To serve the Crown and to attain great renown is his Confucian ideal and to retire as times require and to be detached from
personal gain and loss is his Taoist ideal. 他的哲学思想是儒道结合。其中效忠朝廷，步步高升体现他的儒家思想，淡化个人得失，随遇而安则是道教思想影响的反映。
21. What are ancient China’s Four Great Inventions? 中国的四大发明是什么？
They are papermaking, printing, powder, and the compass. 造纸术，印刷术，黑火药和指南针。
22. Could you explain the yin and yang theory of traditional Chinese medicine and pharmacy? 请
解释中国传统医药的阴阳理论。
The human body is made up of yin and yang elements. When there is a balance between the two, there is no disease. If the balance in a person is disturbed, he is sure to become ill. 人体由阴和阳两种元素构成。阴阳平衡，没有疾病。平衡紊乱，必生疾病。
23. What kinds of buildings could a tourist see in a classical Chinese garden? 在中国古典园林里
游客可以看到那些建筑物？
Halls, kiosks, towers, marble boats, pavilions, corridors, bridges, and ornamental walls, etc. 亭台楼阁，画舫，走廊，桥，画墙。
24. What basic rules should you follow when dealing with complaints? 处理投诉时需要遵循什
么基本规则？
Listen carefully with concern and courtesy; make a short, clear apology; repeat the complaint; decide who will deal with the complaint and tell the complainer the resolution. 礼貌细心的聆听；简短而明确的道歉；复述投诉；确定投诉处理人员；告知投诉者解决方案。
25. What emotional feature could be found in Li Qingzhao’s lyrics? 李清照的词里有什么情感特
征？
Her lyrics recollect nostalgically her happy life in the Northern Song and reveal her distress in the Southern Song. Her attempt was to establish life in words: poetry was for her a stay against time, a surety to blot out oblivion. She tried to capture the past, so as to while away the present. 她的词充满怀旧情绪，回忆自己北宋时期的幸福生活，揭示自己在南宋的失落。她企图在文字里构建自己的生活：诗歌对于她来说可以使时间停留，使记忆永存。她试图捕捉过去，消磨现实。
26. List/name some handicrafts with Chinese characteristics 列举具有中国特色的手工艺
Chopsticks, kites, snuff bottles, the carving of ivory and jade in Beijing and Yangzhou, Cloisonne ware (景泰蓝), lacquer ware (漆器), porcelain (瓷), celadon (青瓷), the white porcelain (白瓷), silk products and embroidery. 筷子，风筝，鼻烟壶，北京和扬州的象牙雕和玉雕，景泰蓝，漆器，瓷，青瓷，白瓷，丝织品和刺绣。
27. What events were included in the ancient Greek Olympic Games? Name five of them at least.
古希腊奥林匹克运动包括哪几种运动项目？至少列举五项。
The main events included boy’s gymnastics, horseracing, field events such as discus and javelin throwing, and the very important foot races. There are also boxing and wrestling and special tests of varied ability such as the pentathlon, the winner of which excelled in running, jumping, discus and javelin throwing and wrestling. 主要项目包括男子体操，赛马，田赛包括铁饼和标枪，以及非常重要的径赛。拳击，摔跤，和五项全能（跑，跳，铁饼，标枪和摔跤）
28. Please tell the difference between modern and ancient Olympic games? 请说明现代和古代
奥林匹克的区别。
In modern Olympic games, women could compete and the ancient pentathlon has been modified into a more comprehensive test, and the marathon races, initiated in 1896, are now a celebrated event. Nowadays, the Games are held in different countries in turn. 现代奥林匹克运动中，女性可以参加比赛，古代的五项全能已经被改进为更加全面的比赛，发起于1896年的马拉松比赛现在是一项著名赛事。运动会在不同国家轮流举行。
29. What does the torch of Olympic Games represent? 奥林匹克运动火炬代表什么？
The torch symbolizes the continuation of the ancient Greek athletic ideals, and it burns throughout the Games until the closing ceremony. 火炬代表古希腊体育理想的延续，在运动会期间燃烧，直至闭幕。
30. What do the five interlocking rings in the Olympic flag symbolize? 奥运旗帜五连环代表什
么？
The flag’s five interlocking rings symbolize the uniting of all five continents participating in the Games. 五连环旗帜代表了参加运动会的五大洲紧密相连。
31. What are the two theories in traditional Chinese medicine? 传统中药的两个理论是什么？
They are the yin (positive) and yang (negative) theory and the theory of the five elements (metal, wood, water, fire, and earth). 阴阳理论和五行理论。
32. How do doctors of traditional Chinese medicine diagnose a disease? 传统中医怎样诊断疾
病？
Guided by the yin and yang theory and the theory of the five elements alike, doctors of traditional Chinese medicine emphasize not only the symptoms but take into consideration every aspect of a patient’s condition to form a unified idea of it. Meanwhile, an attention is also paid to the season of the year, the environment, and living conditions of the patient. 传统中医根据阴阳五行理论在形成统一诊断观点时，不但重视患者的症状，而且考虑患者情况的每一个方面。同时，还注意季节，居住环境和患者的生活条件。
33. What concepts are included in preventative measures in traditional Chinese medicine? 传统
中药的预防措施包括哪些概念？
Concepts included in preventative measures are giving early treatment and developing immunities, or “combating evil with evil”. 预防措施概念包括“医未病”，提高免疫，以毒攻毒。
34. What has been attributed to longevity in traditional Chinese medicine? 中医认为长寿由哪
些原因？
Longevity has been attributed to keeping an even temper, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and getting a good night’s sleep. 长寿的原因：心平气和，饮食平衡，经常锻炼，睡眠充足。
35. What is the most common medical system in China? 中国最常见的医药系统是什么？
Herbal medicine, along with acupuncture, is the most common medical system in China. 草药和针灸是中国最常见的医药系统
36. What theoretical system had traditional Chinese medicine developed? 中国传统医药发展
了什么理论系统？
Traditional Chinese medicine had developed a complete theoretical and unique effective system. It centers on Chinese herbal medicines supplemented by acupuncture and moxibustion, medical massage, and qigong. 中国传统医药已经发展一套完备的医学和独特有效的系统。它
以中草药为核心，辅助以针灸，艾灸，药物按摩和气功。
37. What are the four steps for a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine to treat a disease? 中医
诊断病症的四个步骤是什么？
Understanding disease, observing disease, analyzing disease and treating disease 望闻问切 (observing the patient faces and tongues; listening to the patient’s description; inquiring the patients and feeling the patient’s pulse)
38. What are the benefits of traditional Chinese medicine? 传统中药的益处由哪些？
Chinese medicine seems to work best for the relief of unpleasant symptoms, and for some long-term conditions that resist western medicines. 中药在缓解不适症状方面似乎最有效果，对西药产生抗药性的长期症状效果也十分显著。
Another benefit of Chinese medicine is that there are relative few side effects.中药的另一个好处是相对几乎没有副作用。
39. What do the 6 steps of the traditional Chinese marriage usually involve? 中国传统婚姻包含
哪几步？
The 6 necessary steps are namely: matchmaking; engagement; betrothal presents; meeting the bride; three bows; drinking wedlock wine. 六个必要步骤分别是：做媒，订婚，订婚礼（婚约），见新娘，三叩首（拜堂），喝交杯酒。
40. To whom should a new couple make three bows? 新婚夫妇应该向谁叩首？
Three bows, or bow to Heaven and Earth, is the most important rite in traditional Chinese marriage ceremony. The new couple needs to stand side by side, and making three bows: first bow to heaven, earth and ancestors; second to both parents; finally to each other. 三叩首（拜堂），或拜天地，是中国传统婚礼中最重要的仪式。新婚夫妇需要站在一起，叩首三次：一拜天地和祖宗，二拜父母，夫妻对拜。
41. What elements are combined to form the classical Chinese drama? 形成中国古典戏剧的元
素有哪些？
The combined elements include traditional Chinese music, poetry, singing, recitation, dancing, acrobatics, and martial arts. 这些元素包括中国传统音乐，诗歌，歌唱，朗诵，舞蹈，杂技和武术。
42. What are the four basic e(转载自：www.dXf5.cOm 东星资源网:传统文化英语作文)lements in Beijing Opera performance? 京剧表演的四个基本元素
是什么？
The four basic elements are spoken parts, singing, dancing, and acrobatics (唱念坐打).
43. What is required for the appearance of an all-round top-notch Beijing Opera performer? 一
名多才多艺的顶尖京剧演员需要哪些素质？
The performer must be good-looking or attractive when appearing in make-up. He or she must be of pleasing physical proportions, and have a pair of expressive eyes and a rich variety of facial expressions. 该演员化妆后出现在舞台上时，他的身段，那双会说话的眼睛，丰富的面部表情，都必须是漂亮的，对观众有吸引力的。
44. What is essential in the acting / performing of Beijing Opera? 京剧表演的核心是什么？
Symbolism is essential. 象征主义是核心。
45. What instruments are in used in Beijing Opera music? 京剧音乐使用什么乐器？
The wind, stringed and percussion instruments are used in Beijing Opera music. 吹管乐器，
篇二：关于传统文化的英语作文
文化，请根据他的问题回复邮件，为他设计北京一日游活动，帮助他体验中国传统文化。请描述你们打算去的地方、具体的活动安排、以及这样安排的理由。
提示词语：
区范文1：
Hi, Tony!
I’m glad that you will come to Beijing soon. There are lots of places of interest in Beijing. In order to experience traditional Chinese culture better, I do recommend Beijing Hutong tour.
First, we’re going to go sightseeing along the lanes in Hutong. The houses in Hutong are traditional, such as Siheyuan. From them, you can imagine how people used to live. Of course you can stop anywhere you like and it is interesting to take pictures or have a close look. Second, we are going to pay visits to a Hutong family. We can have lunch there and have a short talk with the local residents, which can help you learn about many stories of the past. We can not only appreciate the dramatic changes that Hutong has undergone, but also see evidence of the history of Beijing, experience the old way of life and experience traditional Beijing culture.
In a word, Hutongs are the homes of common people in the past. It is easy to know how people lived and had fun in the old days. So it is a good choice to learn about traditional Chinese culture. I’m looking forward to your coming.
Yours,
Li Hua
范文2
Hi, Tony!
I’m glad that you will come to Beijing soon. There are many places of interest where you can experience the traditional Chinese culture in Beijing, but I’d like to take you to Nanluoguxiang.
First, we can take a walk along the lanes in Hutong to feel the architectural style of the old buildings like Siheyuan and local people’s way of life. Besides, you can have a talk with the residents to know more about the history about Hutong. What’s more, we can try all kinds of local foods on the way. And you can buy some paper cuttings as gifts for your friends. When we feel tired, it’s a good choice for us to go to a tea house. There, we can taste all kinds of Chinese tea and get a lot of knowledge about tea. Most importantly, we can watch Peking Opera while drinking tea, which is a typical art to reflect Beijing humanities features.
As for the reason why we go there, I think it can make you better experience traditional Chinese tea culture, the food culture and the characteristics of the old residence in Beijing.
I’m looking forward to your coming.
Yours,
Li Hua
传统文化：
tea culture 茶文化opera culture戏曲文化ceramic art陶瓷艺术
traditional handicraft传统手工艺：sugar man, clay figurine, colored drawing, pottery Chinese calligraphy书法糖人、泥人、彩绘、陶艺
Beijing Opera art 京剧艺术architectural art建筑艺术
传统节日：
1.the Spring Festival春节 (…falls on the 1st day of the first lunar month)
paste couplets贴对联 on New Year's Eve 在除夕之夜 have a family reunion dinner
make dumplingsset off firecrackers放鞭炮 吃团圆饭
stay up late or all night on New Year’s Eve 守岁 give/get lucky money 给/得到压岁钱 pay a new year’s visit to our relatives or friends 拜年
2. the lantern Festival 元宵节(…on the 15th day of the first lunar month)
have a family reunion dinnereat the Yuanxiaowatch lanterns观灯
guess lantern riddles猜灯谜play the lion dance 耍狮子play dragon lantern dance 舞龙灯
set off firecrackers 放鞭炮
3. the Dragon Boat Festival端午节 (…on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month)
race dragon boats 赛龙舟eat rice dumplings 吃粽子
4. the Mid-autumn Festival 中秋节(…on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month)
eat mooncakes吃月饼admire the moon at night 夜间赏月
family members get together and have a big meal 家人团聚吃大餐
假如你叫李华，你的美国笔友Tom对中国的传统节日非常感兴趣。他想请你介绍你最喜欢的 一个节日，如中秋节、端午节、春节等，你通常是怎么庆祝的，以及你喜欢这个节日的原因。请你根据他的问题回复邮件。
提示词语：eat, get together, share, happy, special
I’m glad to hear that you are interested in traditional Chinese festivals.
My favorite festival is the Mid-Autumn Festival. It usually comes in September or October. On that day, our family members usually get together and have a nice meal. After that, I always admire the moon and share mooncakes with my families.
I love this festival because I like eating mooncakes. They are in the shape of a full moon. They carry people’s wishes to the families they love and miss. In short, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a day of pleasure and happiness. I hope that my letter will help you know more about Chinese festivals.
Yours,
Li Hua
范文2：
My favorite Chinese festival is the Spring Festival which comes on the first day of the Chinese Lunar Year. There is a name for each year, such as the dog, the monkey, the tiger or one of the twelve animals, and this year is the year of the horse.
Before the New Year’s Day, the Chinese people usually give their houses a good cleaning and on the last evening of the old year, all the members of a family will get together and have a big meal. People usually have jiaozi, fish, niangao and many other dishes. On the first or second day of the new year, people usually go to visit their relatives and friends and give some lucky money to children.
Among all the festivals, I like the Spring Festival best not only because I can enjoy delicious food, but also because I can relax myself by spending a few days with my family, my relatives and my friends.
范文3：
Hi! Tom,
I’m glad to hear that you are interested in traditional Chinese festivals. There are many traditional festivals in China, and my favorite is the Spring Festival. It falls on the first day of the Chinese lunar New Year. The Spring Festival is as important as Christmas in the U.S. and Chinese people have been celebrating it for many years.
To celebrate the Spring Festival, I usually stick the Chinese character “Fu” upside down on the door, which means happiness will come. Besides, I always prepare some red paper cutting to decorate my house because I believe the red color can bring our family good luck. On the eve of the festival, Myfamily usually get together, having dinner and sharing some interesting experiences. Midnight is my favorite time because I can set off fireworks and admire them. Shining little stars coming out of fireworks create a warm atmosphere. Everyone is overjoyed as they say farewell to the old year and welcome the new year.
I really like the Spring Festival because it’s time forfamily reunionsand the relationshipbetween us becomes closer. Besides. What’s more, I can do various activities during the festival. I hope you can come to China to experience this colorful and meaningful festival.
Yours,
Li Hua
景点名称：
the Palace Museum the Summer Palace the Great Wall Tian'anmen Square the Temple of Heaven the Ming Tombsthe Ruins of Yuanmingyuan
篇三：中国一些传统文化的英文介绍
中国古时侯有一种叫”年”的怪兽，头长尖角，凶猛异常，”年”兽长年深居海底，每到除夕，爬上岸来吞食牲畜伤害人命，因此每到除夕，村村寨寨的人们扶老携幼，逃往深山，以躲避”年”的伤害．今年的除夕，乡亲们都忙着收拾东西逃往深山，这时候村东头来了一个白发老人对一户老婆婆说只要让他在她家住一晚，他定能将”年”兽驱走．众人不信，老婆婆劝其还是上山躲避的好，老人坚持留下，众人见劝他不住，便纷纷上山躲避去了． 当”年”兽象往年一样准备闯进村肆虐的时候，突然传来白发老人燃响的爆竹声，”年”兽混身颤栗，再也不敢向前凑了，原来”年”兽最怕红色，火光和炸响．这时大门大开，只见院内一位身披红袍的老人哈哈大笑，”年”兽大惊失色，仓惶而逃。第二天，当人们从深山回到村里时，发现村里安然无恙，这才恍然大悟，原来白发老人是帮助大家驱逐”年”兽的神仙，人们同时还发现了白发老人驱逐”年”兽的三件法宝．从此，每年的除夕，家家都贴红对联，燃放爆竹，户户灯火通明，守更待岁．这风俗越传越广，成了中国民间最隆重的传统节日”过年”．土家族民间体育活动之一--舞龙灯
二、舞龙灯的意义
舞龙灯，是中华民族的传统文化活动，各民族都有舞龙灯的习俗，传说，土家族在很早以前没有舞龙习惯。有一年，久旱不雨，禾苗枯黄，溪河断流，来了一位能算天气晴雨阴旱、人间祸福的鬼谷先生，对土家人说：“大家不要愁，今天午后未时排云，戌时下雨，城内下三分，城外下七分”。他这话，被治水的金勾老龙听到后心想，凡间有如此能人还要我管什么水？！顿生嫉妒，便赌气将玉皇大帝命他在城内城外的下雨量倒改过来分。结果，倾盆大雨，水淹城内，房屋倒塌，淹死了许多人这事被当坊土地向玉皇大帝启奏后，玉皇大帝把金勾老龙打入天牢，七天后斩首示众。观音菩萨知道此事向玉皇大帝求情保救老龙。没待观音开口，玉皇大帝就放阴剑把金勾老龙斩成九节。此后，鬼谷先生又来对土家人说：“老龙被斩，是和我赌气而丧命，但他对民间做了不少好事，他死了，你们要为他烧点香纸。”于是，土家人就制作九节金龙，到各村寨起舞，叫人们敬奉，求老龙保佑风调雨顺，五谷丰登。久之，舞龙亦成为土家族的传统习俗。但是，土家舞龙，在城镇是舞全国各地大同小异的布扎龙，在土家山寨舞龙与各地有别，其自成特色。
三、清明节的由来
我国传统的清明节大约始于周代，已有二千五百多年的历史。清明最开始是一个很重要的节气，清明一到，气温升高，正是春耕春种的大好时节，故有“清明前后，种瓜种豆”。“植树造林，莫过清明”的农谚。后来，由于清明与寒食的日子接近，而寒食是民间禁火扫墓的日子，渐渐的，寒食与清明就合二为一了，而寒食既成为清明的别称，也变成为清明时节的一个习俗，清明之日不动烟火，只吃凉的食品。
关于寒食，有这样一个传说：
相传春秋战国时代，晋献公的妃子骊姬为了让自己的儿子奚齐继位，就设毒
计谋害太子申生，申生被逼自杀。申生的弟弟重耳，为了躲避祸害，流亡出走。在流亡期间，重耳受尽了屈辱。原来跟着他一道出奔的臣子，大多陆陆续续地各奔出路去了。只剩下少数几个忠心耿耿的人，一直追随着他。其中一人叫介子推。有一次，重耳饿晕了过去。介子推为了救重耳，从自己腿上割下了一块肉，用火烤熟了就送给重耳吃。十九年后，重耳回国做了君主，就是著名春秋五霸之一晋文公。
晋文公执政后，对那些和他同甘共苦的臣子大加封赏，唯独忘了介子推。有人在晋文公面前为介子推叫屈。晋文公猛然忆起旧事，心中有愧，马上差人去请介子推上朝受赏封官。可是，差人去了几趟，介子推不来。晋文公只好亲去请。可是，当晋文公来到介子推家时，只见大门紧闭。介子推不愿见他，已经背着老母躲进了绵山（今山西介休县东南）。晋文公便让他的御林军上绵山搜索，没有找到。于是，有人出了个主意说，不如放火烧山，三面点火，留下一方，大火起时介子推会自己走出来的。晋文公乃下令举火烧山，孰料大火烧了三天三夜，大火熄灭后，终究不见介子推出来。上山一看，介子推母子俩抱着一棵烧焦的大柳树已经死了。晋文公望着介子推的尸体哭拜一阵，然后安葬遗体，发现介子推脊梁堵着个柳树树洞，洞里好象有什么东西。掏出一看，原来是片衣襟，上面题了一首血诗：
割肉奉君尽丹心，但愿主公常清明。
柳下作鬼终不见，强似伴君作谏臣。
倘若主公心有我，忆我之时常自省。
臣在九泉心无愧，勤政清明复清明。
晋文公将血书藏入袖中。然后把介子推和他的母亲分别安葬在那棵烧焦的大柳树下。为了纪念介子推，晋文公下令把绵山改为“介山”，在山上建立祠堂，并把放火烧山的这一天定为寒食节，晓谕全国，每年这天禁忌烟火，只吃寒食。
走时，他伐了一段烧焦的柳木，到宫中做了双木屐，每天望着它叹道：“悲哉足下。”“足下”是古人下级对上级或同辈之间相互尊敬的称呼，据说就是来源于此。
第二年，晋文公领着群臣，素服徒步登山祭奠，表示哀悼。行至坟前，只见那棵老柳树死树复活，绿枝千条，随风飘舞。晋文公望着复活的老柳树，像看见了介子推一样。他敬重地走到跟前，珍爱地掐了一下枝，编了一个圈儿戴在头上。
祭扫后，晋文公把复活的老柳树赐名为“清明柳”，又把这天定为清明节。
以后，晋文公常把血书袖在身边，作为鞭策自己执政的座佑铭。他勤政清明，励精图治，把国家治理得很好。
此后，晋国的百姓得以安居乐业，对有功不居、不图富贵的介子推非常怀念。每逢他死的那天，大家禁止烟火来表示纪念。还用面粉和着枣泥，捏成燕子的模样，用杨柳条串起来，插在门上，召唤他的灵魂，这东西叫“之推燕”（介子推亦作介之推）。此后，寒食、清明成了全国百姓的隆重节日。每逢寒食，人们即不生火做饭，只吃冷食。在北方，老百姓只吃事先做好的冷食如枣饼、麦糕等；在南方，则多为青团和糯米糖藕。每届清明，人们把柳条编成圈儿戴在头上，把柳条枝插在房前屋后，以示怀念。